Nagasaki – Free Jazz Lead Sheet
C Major – Harry Warren 1928
Nagasaki by Harry Warren (1928) is a swing-era jazz standard in C Major. The tune became a favorite for dance orchestras, with its swinging rhythm and accessible melodic lines. Harry Warren was a lyricist and composer whose contributions helped define the sound of the swing era. The arrangement features the tight rhythmic interplay and Polished ensemble work characteristic of the big band era.
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Support the projectAbout this song:
“Nagasaki” was composed by Harry Warren with lyrics by Mort Dixon in 1928. It is a lively jazz tune that became a staple of early swing bands, notable for its playful lyrics and catchy, syncopated melody.
The first popular recording was by Paul Whiteman and His Orchestra in 1928, and later versions by Benny Goodman, Fletcher Henderson, and Django Reinhardt helped cement its place in jazz history. The song humorously depicts an imagined vision of life in Nagasaki, Japan, and musically it features a 32-bar AABA form with opportunities for improvisation, making it a favorite in both small combos and big band settings.
About the composer: Harry Warren
Harry Warren (1893–1981) was an American composer and songwriter renowned for his film music, with notable works including the *42nd Street* score and songs like "Lullaby of Broadway" and "I Only Have Eyes for You."
